ALS as president, one page, 7.25 x 9, December 27, 1809. Letter to the Reverend William Bentley. In full: “In compliance of your favor of the 11th instant, I have addressed the few lines enclosed to General Stark. If the possession of this sincere testimony of my esteem be entirely satisfactory, it may perhaps be as well that it should not be followed by a publication; the sole object being to contribute in that form, whatever gratification may be afforded him, by learning the sentiments of one, of whom he has been pleased to think and to speak so favorably. With entire confidence in your judicious estimate of the case, I limit myself to this intimation.” Double cloth matted and framed with an engraved portrait of Madison, to an overall size of 19.5 x 15.25. In very good to fine condition, with all text and signature faded, but still legible, and a bit of scattered light toning. Accompanied by the text from Madison’s original letter to Stark, dated December 26, as well as Starks response to Madison, dated January 21, 1810.
During the first year of his presidency, Madison was approached by Massachusetts minister and writer William Bentley for a statement on John Stark, whom he knew through his close relationship with George Washington: after distinguishing himself at the Battle of Bunker Hill, Stark fought alongside the first President in the American Revolution. In response to Bentley’s request, Madison offers praise for his friend’s lifetime of devotion to his country. In his referenced letter to Stark, a copy of which is attached to the backside of this piece, he refers to him as, “a hero and patriot in establishing the independence of our country.” Though well-known and admired by the nation’s new leaders, the General had no desire to forge a political career of his own, and returned to his quiet farm in New Hampshire at the close of the war. Years later in a toast written for comrades from the Revolution, Stark wrote, “Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils,” the first half of which became the New Hampshire state motto. This letter is a touching declaration of praise for New Hampshire’s great general who truly lived by the words that made him famous. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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